Saudi Arabia Railways has announced a major increase in train trips and seating capacity on the Eastern Line connecting Riyadh, Hofuf, and Dammam. This decision comes during the busy travel season covering the final ten days of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holidays in March 2026. The expansion directly benefits Gulf residents, tourists, and Indian expats who frequently travel across this corridor, offering them a safer and more comfortable alternative to the usual four-hour road journey.
New trains added to the Eastern Line
To handle the heavy passenger rush expected between March 9 and March 25, the railway authority has integrated 10 brand new intercity trains manufactured by Stadler into its fleet. Each of these new trains measures 175 meters in length and can comfortably seat 320 passengers. According to SAR CEO Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, expanding the passenger fleet is a key priority to meet the rising demand for travel across the country. The total travel time between Riyadh and Dammam will remain between 3.5 to 4 hours on these high-speed trains. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that this route is a crucial part of the national transport strategy connecting major cities.
Ticket prices and booking rules for expats
Passengers planning to travel during the peak Ramadan season must book their tickets in advance using the official SAR website or the mobile application. Electronic e-tickets with a QR code are strictly required for boarding the trains. For Indian expats and other non-citizen workers living in the Gulf, the booking process remains simple as they can use their National ID or passport. Passengers are also required to dress modestly in line with local public decency laws.
- Economy Class: Ticket prices range from SAR 70 to SAR 105 depending on the booking time.
- Business Class: Fares start from SAR 160 and go up to SAR 207 based on trip demand.
- Luggage Allowance: Standard tickets allow two large bags and one small carry-on bag per passenger.
- Travel Visas: The new GCC Grand Tours Visa allows smooth border crossings for expats residing in neighboring countries.